Capillary array and electrophoresis apparatus, and methods

ABSTRACT

A capillary array capable of being easily mounted on an electrophoresis apparatus without damaging the capillaries. The capillary array can include a plurality of capillaries that can be fixed via hollow electrodes on a load header in a matrix arrangement. The load header can be disposed on the electrophoresis apparatus. The capillary array can include a capillary frame onto which a capillary head and a detection portion can be detachably mounted. The structure allows the load header, the capillary head, the detection unit and other portions of the capillary array to be handled as a unit, thereby making it easier to mount the capillary array on the electrophoresis apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field

The present teachings relate to a capillary-array electrophoresisapparatus for separating and analyzing samples, such as DNA or proteins.In particular, the present teachings relate to a capillary array.

2. Background Art

An example of a known capillary array electrophoresis apparatus isdisclosed in Japanese Patent Publication (Unexamined Application) No.2001-324473. The capillary array includes 16 capillaries each made of aquartz tube with an external diameter of about 0.35 mm and an innerdiameter of about 0.05 mm. The capillary array has a load header on oneend for injecting samples, and a capillary head on the other end forinjecting a buffer solution

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to various embodiments, the present teachings provide acapillary array, an electrophoresis apparatus, and a method of mountingthe capillary array onto the electrophoresis apparatus. The capillaryarray can include a frame onto which members attached to thecapillaries, such as a load header, a capillary head, and a detectionportion, can be detachably mounted. Because these members and thecapillaries can be substantially handled as a unit, the capillary arraycan be relatively easily mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus.Because there is no need to handle the capillaries when coupling theload header to the electrophoresis apparatus, damage to the capillariescan be substantially prevented.

According to various embodiments, the present teachings provide acapillary array onto which members attached to the capillaries, such asa load header, a capillary head, and a detection portion, are mounted toa frame. This structure allows the capillaries to be spared fromexcessive load when a large amount of force is applied to the membersfixed on the frame. As a result, damage to the capillaries, which aremade of fragile material, such as glass, can be prevented. For example,the frame can be made of a flexible material such that a force appliedto the members fixed to the frame through the capillaries can beabsorbed by the frame, so that damage to the capillaries where they areconnected to those members can be prevented.

According to various embodiments, the present teachings provide acapillary array including a frame onto which separators, for fasteningcapillaries without fixing them, are retained at predeterminedpositions. This structure allows the capillaries to be retained in theframe in substantially the same state as they are duringelectrophoresis. Further, since the capillaries are not fixed to theseparators, the capillary array can be easily mounted on theelectrophoresis apparatus. As a result, if a large amount of force isapplied to the capillaries, the capillaries are not damaged where theycontact with the separators.

According to various embodiments, the present teachings provide a methodof mounting a capillary array on an electrophoresis apparatus byindividually handling members attached to capillaries, such as a loadheader, a capillary head, and a detection unit. When a user handles twoor more of the members simultaneously, there is a danger that a largeamount of load will be applied to the capillaries, if they are pulled indifferent directions. Such danger can be avoided by the presentteachings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, and features of the present teachings willbe more particularly described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a capillary array according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 2 schematically shows an electrophoresis apparatus according tovarious embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a separatorand a bar according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a separator according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a relationship among a capillaryframe, a detection unit, and a capillary head according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 6( a) is a perspective view showing a relationship between theelectrophoresis apparatus and the capillary array according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 6( b) shows a flow chart of a mounting operation in according tovarious embodiments;

FIG. 7( a) is a perspective view of a separator during mountingoperation according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7( b) is a perspective view of a separator during a mountingoperation according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8( a) is a perspective view showing a relationship between theelectrophoresis apparatus and the capillary array according to variousembodiments; and

FIG. 8( b) shows a flow chart of a mounting operation according tovarious embodiments.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only,and are intended to provide an explanation of various embodiments of thepresent teachings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 2 schematically shows an electrophoresis apparatus including acapillary array according to various embodiments. A capillary array caninclude 96 capillaries 1. Each capillary 1 can be made, for example, ofa quartz pipe, with an external diameter of about 0.15 mm and an innerdiameter of about 0.05 mm, which can be, for example, resin-coated withpolyimide.

According to various embodiments, the electrophoresis apparatus caninclude a load header 4 for feeding the capillaries with DNA from asample tray 3 by electrophoresis. The sample tray 3 can store a numberof sample containers 2 each containing about 10 μl or more of afluorescent-labeled DNA sample. The electrophoresis apparatus caninclude a detection unit 5 for arranging and fixing the capillaries 1 inorder by sample number in the load header 4, and an excitation opticalsystem including a mirror 7, a beam splitter 8 and a focusing lens 9 forirradiating the detection portion with excitation light from a laserlight source 6. The electrophoresis apparatus can also include adetection lens system 11 for detecting fluorescence 10 as an opticalsignal, and a CCD camera 12.

According to various embodiments, the capillary array containing DNA orproteins to be subjected to electrophoresis can be irradiated by thelaser light source 6 from either side of the detection unit 5. The laser6 can be focused by the lens-type action of the capillaries 1, such thatall of the capillaries 1 can be irradiated by the excitation light.Fluorescence emitted by each capillary 1 can be detected by thedetection optics. On the other side of the load header 4, a capillaryhead 17 can be disposed. The capillary head 17 can bundle and bondmultiple capillaries 1 together, and can affix them in an air-tight andsealed manner to a buffer-solution container 14 containing a buffersolution 13. A high voltage of approximately 15 kV can be appliedbetween an electrode 20 mounted on the load header 4 and thebuffer-solution container 14 by a high-voltage source 15, such that thesamples in the sample containers 2 can be electrophoresed by the buffersolution introduced from the buffer-solution container 14 to thecapillaries 1, thus separating the samples. The samples can arrive atthe detection unit 5 ordered by size as a result of differences inresistance experienced by the DNA samples as they pass through a gelsubstantially entirely filling the capillaries 1.

According to various embodiments, fluorescence corresponding to the fournucleotides, specifically, adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine, thatcan be emitted from the fluorescent-labeled DNA samples, can be detectedby the CCD camera 12. Such an optical signal can be obtained byirradiating the capillaries 1 arranged on an optical flat plane withtolerances of several microns, by way of excitation light entering fromeither side of the detection unit 5.

FIG. 1 shows a detailed view of the capillary array according to variousembodiments, for facilitating the attachment or detachment of thecapillaries 1 to the main body of electrophoresis apparatus. Thecapillary array can be a replaceable component that can be discardedafter several months, or after several hundreds of times of use, whenits separating capabilities are reduced. According to variousembodiments, the capillary array can be composed of 96 capillaries 1,load header 4, separators 16, detection unit 5, capillary head 17, and acapillary frame 22 for holding the separators and other structure. Aboss 24 can be attached to the capillary frame 22 for identifying thetype of the capillary array being used.

According to various embodiments, the capillaries 1 can be made, forexample, of quartz pipes having a diameter of about 0.15 mm. At the loadheader 4, the 96 capillaries 1 can be arranged in a matrix of eight rowsand 12 columns via hollow electrodes 20. At the detection unit 5, thecapillaries 1 can be arranged in parallel, and at the capillary head 17,they can be bundled and retained. Between the detection unit 5 and theload header 4, the capillaries can be loosened and retained by a seriesof separators 16. Between the detection unit 5 and the capillary head17, the capillaries can be bundled into a strip by a thermo-compressionsheet 32 to improve their rigidity.

The capillaries 1 can be bent into a three-dimensional shape such thatthey can extend vertically at the load header 4. Spaced intervalsbetween the capillaries 1 can be substantially uniformly narrowed as thecapillaries 1 extend away from the capillary head 17 and are bent. Afterextending for a certain distance, the capillaries 1 can be bent in theopposite direction in a more gradual curve and, after extending foranother certain distance, they can be twisted in a clockwise directionby about 90 degrees, arranged in parallel in the detection portion, andthen finally converged into one bundle by the load header 4. In thismanner, the capillary array can be reduced in size, which in turn makesit possible to reduce the size of the thermostatic oven of theelectrophoresis apparatus main body. As a result, the temperature in thethermostatic oven can be more easily controlled. If the capillaries 1have different lengths, a certain positional relationship between thedetection unit 5 and the load header 4 can be maintained, so thatmultiple kinds of capillary arrays with different capillary lengths canbe employed in the electrophoresis apparatus.

According to various embodiments, the capillary frame 22 can be disposednear the path of the capillaries 1 and can be securely fitted with theload header 4 such that the frame 22 can be handled as an integral partof the load header 4. Further, the capillary frame 22 can detachablyhold the detection unit 5 and the capillary head 17, and the separators16 can be fixed to the frame via bars 23.

The capillary array can be mounted inside the thermostatic oven of theelectrophoresis apparatus, and therefore, the capillary frame 22 can bemade by injection-molding a plastic material with a breakdown voltage of20 kV, and heat resistance of 70° C. or more. Any materials orproduction processes may be employed as long as they can producecomponents that can sustain the above conditions.

According to various embodiments, the capillary frame 22 can beflexible. If a rigid capillary frame were to be used, it could break ifstruck during handling, or if the weight of components mounted along thecapillaries 1, were to be applied to the thin, wire-like capillaries.Thus, by providing the capillary frame 22 with flexibility, variousexternal forces can be absorbed and the damage to the capillaries 1 canbe substantially prevented.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a separator 16 for orderly arranging themultiple capillaries 1 and a bar 23 for supporting the separator 16. Theseparator 16 can be retained by the capillary frame 22 via the bar 23that can be attached to the capillary frame 22. The separator 16 canfunction to arrange the capillaries 1 in a matrix by fixing them inplace one by one, such that they can extend from the load header 4 tothe vicinity of the detection unit 5 without touching one another. Thenumber of pairings of separators 16 and bars 23 can vary depending onthe length of the capillaries 1, measured from about the center of thedetection unit 5 to about the tip of the electrode 20 of the load header4. For example, the number of pairings, can be 0, 3 and 5, for capillarylengths of about 220 mm, about 360 mm, and about 500 mm, respectively.

According to various embodiments, each of the separators 16 can be madeof a thin plate, and they can be arranged in parallel to the flow of airinside the thermostatic oven, so that they do not block the airflow.FIG. 4 shows a separator 16 in more detail. The separator 16 can have 96holes having about 1 mm diameters arranged in a cross-woven lattice ofeight rows and 12 columns, for guiding the capillaries 1. For example,96 capillaries 1 can be arranged by passing each one of them through ahole having a diameter of about 1 mm, without being fixed to the holes.

According to various embodiments, the capillaries 1 can be moveable in adirection normal to the plane at the separator 16, so that the detectionunit 5 and the capillary head 17 can be easily mounted on theelectrophoresis apparatus without the capillaries' movement beinginterrupted by the separator 16. Further, even if a large amount offorce is applied to the capillaries 1, the structure can absorb theforce, preventing damage to the capillaries 1 when they contact theseparator 16. When passing the 96 capillaries 1 through the individualseparators 16 during assembly, the separators 16 can be stacked andhandled as a single plate, thus facilitating the assembly of thecapillary array. Specifically, each separator 16 can have twopositioning holes for aligning the 96 holes of one separator with thoseof another when the separators are stacked.

According to various embodiments, each separator 16 can have a rhombicopening for engagement with a bar 23. The rhombic opening can be formedby alternately folding the plate in the shape of a mountain and avalley. Accordingly, each separator 16 can be shaped back into theoriginal plate by extending the folds of the opening.

According to various embodiments, the bar 23 can include a square columnportion whose sides can be substantially equal in length to each of thesides of the rhombic opening of the separator 16. As the bar 23 issqueezed into the rhombic opening of the separator 16, the square columnof the bar 23 can forcibly turn the rhombus into a square, so that thebar 23 can be held tightly in the hole of the separator 16. The bar 23can have a step between the circular column portion and the squarecolumn portion so that the bar 23 can be positioned axially, while thepositioning of the bar 23 in its circumferential direction is determinedby the square column portion. The tip of the bar 23 can be conicallyshaped so that it can be easily inserted into the separator 16, thusmaking its assembly easier.

According to various embodiments, the separator 16 that is closest tothe detection unit 5 can be rotated by a little less than 90° withrespect to those of the other separators 16, such that the capillaries 1can be arranged in a single column at the detection unit 5.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the capillary frame 22, the detectionunit 5, and the capillary head 17.

According to various embodiments, when the capillary array is stored, orbefore it is mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus, the detectionunit 5 can be positioned such that the capillaries 1 held by theseparators 16 are not easily tangled or cluttered during the attachmentof the detection unit 5 to the electrophoresis apparatus main body.Specifically, the detection unit 5 can be positioned, when stored, inapproximately the same location as when it is mounted onto theelectrophoresis apparatus. Because there is relatively little change inthe three-dimensional shape of the capillaries 1 after mounting, anytangling or cluttering of the three-dimensional structure of thecapillaries 1 that could be caused during transportation, or the like,can be fixed prior to mounting. As a result, the amount of adjustmentrequired after the array is mounted on the apparatus can be reduced, andalso the amount of work required to fix the capillaries 1 placed in thethermostatic oven, can be drastically reduced. As a result, damage tothe capillaries 1 can be avoided.

During storage, the detection unit 5 can be protected by a cover 27 anda base 26, and can be retained by the capillary frame 22 via the base26. The capillary head 17 can be inserted into a protection cap 28 whichcan be held by the capillary frame 22.

According to various embodiments, the capillary frame 22 can be securedto the load header 4, and the individual components can be held by thecapillary frame 22. Because the relative positional relationship amongthe members secured to the capillaries 1, such as the load header 4, thedetection unit 5 and the capillary head 17, can be fixed by the frame22, the entire capillary array can be handled by way of the load header4. Accordingly, even if a load were to be placed on the members securedto the capillaries 1, not much tension would be applied to thecapillaries 1, thus substantially avoiding breakage or other damage.

In contrast, there would be a greater danger of breakage if the loadheader 4 and the detection unit 5 are both pulled, for example, in thecase where the capillaries 1 are fixed and arranged on the load header 4in a matrix, and are arranged at equal distances from the load header 4,in the detection unit 5. Greater danger of breakage would be present insuch an arrangement because more tension could be applied to thosecapillaries 1 that are secured along the periphery of the matrix,particularly at the four corners of the matrix. Such kind of breakagecan be avoided according to the various embodiments. Furthermore, as thecapillary array can be handled with one hand, other operations, such asopening or closing the door of the apparatus, can be performed with theother hand. Thus, handling and workability during mounting and storagecan be greatly improved.

As shown in FIG. 1, the capillary array can be stored without tipping orfalling over, while the load header 4 can be protected by an electrodeprotection cap 25. The capillary head 17 can be protected by thecapillary head protection cap 28, and the detection unit 5 can beprotected by the base 26 and cover 27. The capillary array can be stablysupported while the sample injection ends of the capillaries 1 aresurrounded by the electrode protection cap 25, and the electrodeprotection cap 25 can be filled with buffer solution. The capillaryarray can be stored for a long period of time by wetting the sampleinjection ends of the capillaries 1 with the buffer solution to preventthe deterioration of the sample injection ends.

FIG. 6( a) is a perspective view of the capillary array ready to bemounted in a thermostatic oven 29. FIG. 6( b) shows a flow chart of themounting operation. Hereafter, the operation for attaching or detachingthe capillary array will be described by referring to these drawings.

According to various embodiments, prior to the mounting operation, theindividual components of the capillary array can be retained by theflexible capillary frame 22, and the capillaries 1 can be non-fixedlysupported by the separators 16. Thus, the members attached to thecapillaries 1 can be handled as a unit by holding the load header 4,while avoiding the danger of a large amount of tension being applied tothe capillaries 1 during the operation.

First, the door to the thermostatic oven 29 can be opened, and theelectrode protection cap 25 can be removed while holding the frontalsides of the load header 4. Then, a groove on either side of the loadheader 4 can be aligned with a guide 30 in the thermostatic oven 29 ofthe apparatus. The capillary array can then be inserted into and mountedon the electrophoresis apparatus, while simultaneously inserting thebars 23 (which can range in number from 0 to 5) retaining the separators16, into holes in the main body as guides. Because the capillary arraycan be inserted into the apparatus by holding the frontal sides of theload header 4, substantially no tension can be applied to thecapillaries 1 during the insertion operation. While air is circulatedfrom the back of the apparatus towards the front, to keep thetemperature inside the thermostatic oven 29 constant, the influence ofthe capillary frame 22 on temperature control can be reduced because theframe 22 can be fixed on the load header 4 in a more downstream positionof air flow than the capillaries 1. The frame's 22 influence ontemperature control is further reduced because the capillary frame 22 ismade of bar-like members that have substantially identicalcross-sections and uniform thermal conductivity.

According to various embodiments, the capillary head protection cap 28can be fitted to the capillary head 17, and can be removed from thecapillary frame 22. The capillary head protection cap 28 can be removedfrom the capillary head 17. The detection unit 5 can be detached fromthe capillary frame 22 by holding a knob of the base 26 after removingthe cover 27. The capillary head 17 and the detection unit 5 can befixed on the apparatus in that order. Because the capillary head 17 andthe detection unit 5 are retained by the capillary frame 22 in aposition close to where they are to be connected to the apparatus, theycan be connected to the apparatus without moving them over a longdistance. Thus, danger of applying excessive tension to the capillaries1 during the connecting operation can be substantially reduced.

The mounting operation can be completed by closing the door to thethermostatic oven 29. When it is desired to detach the capillary arrayfrom the electrophoresis apparatus, the above operation can be performedin the opposite sequence.

According to various embodiments, attachment of the separators 16 to theelectrophoresis apparatus main body can be eliminated when mounting thecapillary array. Thus, the 96 capillaries 1, having the predeterminedthree-dimensional shape, can be relatively easily disposed in thethermostatic oven 29. Previously, when an operator handled the multiplemembers attached to the capillaries 1 with two hands, there was a dangerof breaking the capillaries 1 if the members were to be pulled away fromone another. Such a danger of applying force to the individual membersin opposite directions can be avoided in the present embodiment, becausethe load header 4, the capillary head 17, and the detection unit 5, arehandled individually. Thus, the capillary array can be mounted on theapparatus even by a relatively unskilled operator.

As shown in FIG. 6( a), the capillary frame 22 can have a boss 24 fordifferentiating the type of the capillary array. According to variousembodiments, the boss 24 can have an external size, for example, havingabout an 8 mm diameter about a 1.5 mm length, and its shape can varydepending on the characteristics of the capillary array. The apparatuscan be equipped with a sensor 31 that is not influenced by high voltageduring electrophoresis, and the boss 24 can be mounted at acorresponding position on the capillary frame 22. When the capillaryarray is mounted, the boss 24 can push the sensor 31 mounted on theapparatus, thereby providing an indication of the type of capillaryarray being mounted. While the sensor 31 of the apparatus is shown as apush-button switch, other types of sensors can be implemented accordingto various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the capillary array can be easy tomanufacture and assemble, can be easily mounted on the apparatus, andcan reliably prevent damage to the capillaries 1 during handling.

According to various embodiments, the capillary array can includeseparators 16 that are detachably retained by a metal capillary frame22, and the capillary frame 22 can be removed from the capillary arrayduring mounting. FIGS. 7( a) and 7(b) are perspective views showing therelationship between a separator 16 and a bar 43, as the separator 16 ishandled. FIG. 8( a) is a perspective view of a capillary array about tobe mounted. FIG. 8( b) shows a flow chart of the mounting operation.Differences between previous embodiments will be described by referringto FIGS. 7( a), 7(b), 8(a), and 8(b).

According to various embodiments, the capillary frame 22 can be made ofstainless steel rod, and is capable of detachably retaining theseparators 16, a detection unit 5, and a capillary head 17, by utilizingthe rod's resilience. Because the stainless rod is more resilient thanresins, and can be bent, the capillary frame 22 can be temporarily bentinto a shape that allows the members carried by the frame 22, such asthe detection unit 5, capillary head 17 and separators 16, to be easilydetached or attached.

When mounting the capillary array of the various embodiments on theapparatus, the separators 16 retained by the frame 22 can be transferredto the apparatus. Thereafter, the capillary frame 22 can then be removedfrom the capillary array. The mounting operation will be describedbelow, including the handling of the separators 16.

The sequence of operation is similar to that disclosed in previousembodiments up to the point where the detection unit 5 and the capillaryhead 17 are connected to the apparatus, after the load header 4 of thecapillary head 17 is disposed in the thermostatic oven.

The bar 23 of the metal capillary frame 22 can be smaller than thatdisclosed in previous embodiments. Because the bar 23 retains theseparator 16 during storage and mounting, and not after mounting. Theapparatus has bars 43 for retaining the separators 16 when the capillaryarray is mounted in the electrophoresis apparatus.

When the load header 4 is slid onto the apparatus, the separators 16 canbe positioned adjacent to the separator-retaining bars 43 on theelectrophoresis apparatus, such that the bars 23 of the capillary frame22 are aligned with the bars 43 on the apparatus. Because the bars 43 ofthe apparatus are situated at the tip of the bars 23 of the capillaryframe 22, the separators 16 can be easily transferred to the bars 43 onthe electrophoresis apparatus, by holding and sliding them one by oneonto the apparatus. After all of the separators 16 are transferred, thecapillary frame 22 can be removed from the load header 4, and the doorto the thermostatic oven can then be closed, completing the mountingoperation.

When the capillary array is to be detached from the apparatus, the aboveoperation is performed in the opposite sequence.

Alternatively, the electrophoresis apparatus may be provided withangular openings adapted to fit with the rhombus openings of theseparators 16, so that, when the load header 4 is disposed on theelectrophoresis apparatus, the rhombus openings of the separators 16 canbe inserted into and fitted with the openings. In this way, theseparators 16 can be easily attached to the apparatus.

Although the present embodiment transfers the separators 16 between thecapillary frame 22 and the electrophoresis apparatus, the capillaryarray can be easily mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus whilepreventing damage to the capillaries during the handling of thecapillary array. Further, the productivity of the capillary array can beimproved.

The present teachings make it easier to mount the capillary array on theelectrophoresis apparatus. The present teachings also help preventdamage to the capillaries during handling of the capillary array, andallow the productivity of the capillary array to be improved.

Those skilled in the art can appreciate from the foregoing descriptionthat the present teachings can be implemented in a variety of forms.Therefore, while these teachings have been described in connection withparticular embodiments and examples thereof, the true scope of thepresent teachings should not be so limited. Various changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the scope of theteachings herein.

1. A capillary array comprising: a plurality of capillaries having afirst end and a second end, the plurality of capillaries being filledwith a polymer capable of separating samples; a capillary head arrangedto retain one end of the plurality of capillaries, and capable of beingconnected to an electrophoresis apparatus; a load header arranged toretain the other end of the capillaries at a predetermined position, andcapable of being mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus; a detectionunit arranged to support the plurality of capillaries in parallel, andcapable of acquiring information from the samples in the capillaries;and a flexible frame capable of supporting the load header, thecapillary head, and the detection unit, of which at least one isdetachably supported.
 2. A capillary array comprising: a plurality ofcapillaries each including a first end and a second end, each of theplurality of capillaries being capable of being filled with a separationmedium capable of separating samples; a capillary head arranged toretain one end of the plurality of capillaries, and capable of beingconnected to an electrophoresis apparatus; a load header arranged toretain the other end of the capillaries at a predetermined position, andcapable of being mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus; a detectioncell arranged to support the plurality of capillaries in parallel andbeing capable of enabling acquisition of information from samples in thecapillaries; and a flexible frame capable of supporting the load header,the capillary head, and the detection cell, of which at least one isdetachably supported.
 3. A capillary array comprising: a plurality ofcapillaries each including a first end and a second end; a first memberarranged to retain one end of the plurality of capillaries, and capableof being connected to an electrophoresis apparatus; a second memberarranged to retain the other end of the capillaries at a predeterminedposition, and capable of being mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus;a third member arranged to retain a portion of the capillaries and beingcapable of enabling acquisition of information from samples in thecapillaries; and a flexible frame capable of supporting the firstmember, the second member, and the third member.
 4. The capillary arrayaccording to claim 3, wherein the first member is a capillary head, thesecond member is a load header, and the third member is a detectioncell.
 5. A capillary array comprising: a plurality of capillaries eachincluding a first end and a second end; a first member arranged toretain one end of the plurality of capillaries, and capable of beingconnected to an electrophoresis apparatus; a second member arranged toretain a portion of the capillaries and being capable of enablingacquisition of information from samples in the capillaries; and aflexible frame capable of supporting the first member and the secondmember.
 6. The capillary array according to claim 5, wherein the firstmember is a capillary head and the second member is a detection cell. 7.A capillary array comprising: a plurality of capillaries each includinga first end and a second end; a first member arranged to retain one endof the capillaries at a predetermined position, and capable of beingmounted on the electrophoresis apparatus; a second member arranged toretain a portion of the capillaries and being capable of enablingacquisition of information from samples in the capillaries; and aflexible frame capable of supporting the first member and the secondmember.
 8. The capillary array according to claim 7, wherein the firstmember is a load header and the second member is a detection cell.
 9. Acapillary array comprising: a plurality of capillaries each including afirst end and a second end; a first member arranged to retain one end ofthe plurality of capillaries, and capable of being connected to anelectrophoresis apparatus; a second member arranged to retain the otherend of the capillaries at a predetermined position, and capable of beingmounted on the electrophoresis apparatus; and a flexible frame capableof supporting the first member and the second member.
 10. The capillaryarray according to claim 9, wherein the first member is a capillary headand the second member is a load header.